Expert: Roger Lederer - 3/20/2004

Question
We live in NE Kent, possibly about 7 miles from the Thames estuary.My house is east facing and is old and covered with well established plants which is used for nesting on a regular basis. My daughters' bedroom has a north facing window not surrounded by plants)and about two weeks ago she complained that there was a bird trying to get into her bedroom early in the morning(approximately 7a.m.) We laughed it off but she said that it came regularly and spooked her. One morning I saw it myself and was quite shocked to see this bird(possibly a thrush) beating it's wings into the glass and pecking. It continues to come and was there today again. Can you advise us how to deal with this, and is there any way we could deter it?

Answer
I got a message that you you did not receive my answer which I sent a few days ago. Sorry. The answer is that the bird sees its reflection in the glass and thinks that it is a competitor trying to invade its territory. A common behavior. The solution is to eliminate the reflection. It is not trying to get into the house or attack anyone. Cover the window with paper, or soap film, or something, for a week or two and the problem will be solved. Roger Lederer at www.ornithology.com